Hamlet Deceit Analysis

1052 Words3 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: An essay on deception

The Deceit of Hamlet

In the play, Hamlet, written by William Shakespeare many characters use deceit to behave irrationally. Deceit is often used in politics and everyday life to acquire power and success. Irrational behavior of deceit is often shown by characters in Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Hamlet’s and Claudius’ behavior of irrationality stems from their bitter hatred towards each can be explained using principles of behavioral economics.
Shakespeare’s, Hamlet, shows deceit in three ways. The first sign of deceit was shown in Hamlet’s hesitation in killing Claudius and Hamlet’s eventual death in the court. Hamlet tries to deceive everyone into thinking that he was mad when in actuality it was his attempt of trying to drive Claudius mad and …show more content…

Hamlet has to get revenge by killing Claudius. To do this, he must act insane to draw away suspicion from himself. Hamlet says to Horatio "How strange or odd some’er I bear myslef as I perchanse hereafter shall think meet to put an antic dispostion on,"(1.5.170-172), this indicates that from this moment Hamlet will act insane. He believes this way he will be able to kill the king and get away with it. Polonius becomes aware of Hamlet’s madness and wants to uncover the reason behind it. He says "Mad let us grant him then, and now remains, that we find out the cause of this defect, for this effect defective comes by cause."(2.2.100-103). Claudius and Polonius spy on Hamlet and Ophelia as they talk. After hearing their conversation Claudius says "And I do doubt the hatch and the disclose will be some danger; which for to prevent, I have in quick determination thus set it down: he shall with speed to England"(3.1.163-166). This means that Claudius is starting to believe Hamlet is dangerous and wants to send him to England. From this point Claudius is very suspicious of Hamlet, he suspects that Hamlet is plotting against him, he says, "Madness in great ones must not unwatched …show more content…

Claudius says, "and you must put me in your heart for friend, sith you have heard, and with a knowing ear, that he which hath your noble father slain pursued my life."(IV;vii;1-4). This suggests to Laertes that they should allie themselves against Hamlet. Claudius thinks of a plan to kill Hamlet in a way that will leave them both appearing innocent. He states to Laertes "a sword unbated, and, in a pass of practise, requite him for your father."(4.7.135-137). This means that Claudius wants Laertes to duel Hamlet with a sharp pointed sword, and not with a sword that is tipped for safety during dueling. Laertes agrees, but he will also put poison on the tip of the sword so that the smallest scratch will cause Hamlet to die, "I will do 't and for that purpose I 'll anoint my sword. I bought an unction of a mountebank, so mortal that, but a dip a knife in it, where it drowns blood no cataplasm so rare, collected from all simples that have virtue under the moon, can save the thing from death that is but scratched withal."(4.7.138-144). As Laertes and Hamlet duel both of them are wounded with the poisoned sword, when they realize that they will die soon the truth is revealed. Laertes tells Hamlet of the plan he had with Claudius and forgives him for the death of his

Show More
Related

  • Hamlet Is A Loyal Councilor To Claudius

    1148 Words  | 3 Pages

    Throughout the play, Hamlet, by William Shakespeare, Hamlet learns the truth of his father’s recent death. He learns that his fathers death was no accident, and that his uncle, his fathers brother, is his father murder. As the play goes on Hamlet promises to avenge his father’s murderer, his uncle and newly crowned king, Claudius. Covered by this veil the characters give the appearance of being honest and sincere but on the other side of the veil they are polluted with dishonesty and tricky.

    Read More

  • King Claudius Character Analysis Essay

    995 Words  | 2 Pages

    Whereas most of the other important men in Hamlet are preoccupied with ideas of justice, revenge, and moral balance, Claudius is bent upon maintaining his own power. His corrupt politician whose main weapon is his ability to manipulate others through his skillful use of language. He manipulates fortune and takes what is not rightfully his, but remains unapologetic for his actions; he possesses enough strength to admit that he would do the same again. Claudius conscience make him such a complex

    Read More

  • What Is External Conflict In Hamlet

    1054 Words  | 3 Pages

    This is a crucial element in the development of the revenge plot for the reason that it will confirm that the murderer is indeed Claudius, thus allowing Hamlet to further proceed with his revenge. If, on the other hand, Claudius does not show any signs of guilt, the revenge plot will be delayed as Hamlet will have to find other ways to prove that Claudius is responsible for his father’s death. Furthermore, through Hamlet’s display of antic-disposition, it results in Claudius to come to a decision to send Hamlet off to England. In this particular scene, further character development of Claudius can be seen as he explains to Gertrude, “The sun no sooner shall the mountain touch / But we will ship him hence; and this vile deed” (IV.I.29-30). As noted from the previous act, when Claudius attempts to repent for his sins, he explains that he wishes to keep all that he received as a result from killing the King. For the reason that Claudius decides to send Hamlet away in fear that he is in danger, his character is further developed as being a man of fear who values materials and power more than anything else. All in all, it is evident that external conflict between Hamlet and Claudius is present throughout the play as they continuously plot against each

    Read More

  • Free Hamlet Essays: Deception in Hamlet

    1041 Words  | 3 Pages

    Deceit, misleading information, and spying on others can lead to their demise, intentionally or accidentally. The misleading and deceitful instances in the play are indirectly responsible for Hamlets’ death. Claudius misleads Hamlet when he shipped him off to England under the guise of a restful retreat and when he realizes that the new king has lied to not only him, but the people of Denmark about the death of the former king. Hamlets’ deceit comes from his mother, believing that she has betrayed his father’s love by not mourning for long enough after his death, and by marrying Claudius. Spying also causes problems for Hamlet down the line since it leads to the killing of Polonius, and the deaths of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.

    Read More

  • A Lack Of Faith In Shakespeare's Hamlet

    990 Words  | 2 Pages

    Claudius quickly takes advantage of this by manipulating Laertes to duel Hamlet. Laertes, under the influence of Claudius takes his fury one step further and poisons his sword, a poison so lethal that one cut will end Hamlet. During their duel, Laertes wounds Hamlet then "In scuffing", they exchange swords. Hamlet wounds Laertes and they are both poisoned.

    Read More

  • Hamlet - The Master of Deception

    1776 Words  | 4 Pages

    As a result, the characters feel the need to continually be deceitful to cover up their past errors. Shakespeare displays various examples of deceit in the play such as dishonesty, antic disposition and betrayal. Through these forms of deceit, Shakespeare shows that deceit is an error each character makes that results in their downfall. If each character had not been deceitful, and had been straightforward about their problems, the ending of the play may have not been so tragic. The play Hamlet is a guide to show how using deception to seek the truth never prevails; all characters that believed it did were killed as a result of their deception in the end.

    Read More

  • Deceptions And Deception In Shakespeare's King Lear

    1264 Words  | 3 Pages

    reality, self deception, and that the urge for power can only lead one to dishonesty and greed. The play ultimately reveals that every betrayer causes their own downfall, and that good characters must disguise themselves in order to save others from destruction. Shakespeare 's use of disguise and deception in the play shows how unlike many other stories or plays, the use of these can reveal many unfamiliar situations and can cause change in

    Read More

  • The Deceptive Character of Polonius in William Shakespeare's Hamlet

    1005 Words  | 3 Pages

    character Polonius in Shakespeare’s Hamlet fits the description of one who tries to deceive others

    Read More

  • Hamlet Revenge Theme Essay

    1164 Words  | 3 Pages

    Hamlet’s revenge mission begins when he is visited by his father’s ghost who commands “Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder” (Shakespeare 1.5.31) after his father recounts the cause of his murder. From this point on, Hamlet begins to act mad in order to put his revenge mission into action. In fact, pretending that he has gone mental is all part of Hamlet’s plan to ultimately murder King Claudius. Furthermore, “Hamlet 's madness is an act of deception, concocted to draw attention away from his suspicious activities as he tries to gather evidence against Claudius…” (Mabillard). Therefore, Hamlet feigns a mental disorder so that he can prove that King Claudius is guilty and can therefore murder King Claudius. Hamlet seeks his revenge on the behalf of someone else, unlike Laertes who seeks revenge for himself. Nevertheless, Hamlet’s act of madness causes everyone around him to see him as having gone insane. Hamlet’s false insanity successfully convinces everyone that they should not worry about him because of his mental state and they are not concerned about him. Although few people concern themselves with Hamlet, King Claudius does after what King Claudius had observed in Act 3, Scene 2. Hamlet instructs the actors in a play that everyone is going to see to reenact the murder of King Hamlet. While that play is taking place, he is watching

    Read More

  • Free Will in Shakespeare's Hamlet

    566 Words  | 2 Pages

    Finally we arrive at the sword match between Hamlet and Laertes. Hamlet is unaware of Claudius’ poisoned goblet and the poisoned tip of Laertes’ sword. When Laertes cuts Hamlet, he makes the choice to stab Laertes, who would see him dead as well.

    Read More

  • The Theme of Deception in The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare

    375 Words  | 1 Pages

    William Shakespeare attained literary immortality through his exposition of the many qualities of human nature in his works. One such work, The Merchant of Venice, revolves around the very human trait of deception. Fakes and frauds have been persistent throughout history, even to this day. Evidence of deception is all around us, whether it is in the products we purchase or the sales clerks' false smile as one debates the purchase of the illusory merchandise. We are engulfed by phonies, pretenders, and cheaters. Although most often associated with a heart of malice, imposture varies in its motives as much as it's practitioners, demonstrated in The Merchant of Venice by the obdurate characters of Shylock and Portia.

    Read More

  • The Deceit of Hamlet

    976 Words  | 2 Pages

    Deceit is often used in politics and everyday life to acquire power and success. The theme of deceit is often repeated in Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Hamlet’s hesitation in killing Claudius, and Hamlet’s eventual death are a direct result of deceit in the court. Hamlet tries to deceive everyone into thinking that he is crazy. He believes that with this "antic disposition" he can kill Claudius without any consequences, and avenge his father’s death. When Cladius and Polonius hear of Hamlet’s madness, they decide to find out the reason behind it. They spy on Hamlet to figure out why he is acting this way. Through this Cladius learns that Hamlet is dangerous, and a threat to him. Hamlet’s trickery also leads to the death of Ophelia and her father Polonius. As well as triggering Laertes to seek revenge on Hamlet for causing the death of his family. After several attempts to kill Hamlet fail, Claudius teams up with Laertes and tries to murder Hamlet once and for all. Each of these plans directly or indirectly cause Hamlet’s death.

    Read More

  • Hamlet Act 4 Analysis

    699 Words  | 2 Pages

    To elaborate, Claudius wants Hamlet to be dead, thus, he uses flattery words of Laertes attributes and swordsmanship to convinces him to join his devious plot. He manipulates Laertes for his own personal agenda. Furthermore, his flattery words also serve to provide confidence for Laertes. Since Claudius has provoked Laertes to fight Hamlet in a duel, he feels the responsibility to point out Laertes positive quality attributes that were better in comparison to Hamlet’s. Claudius encourages Laertes youth in order to provide confidence for him so that he would feel confident about himself before the duel and simultaneously implanting hatred into Laertes by making him feel superior over Hamlet. This quote demonstrates Claudius’ constant calculation and careful method to manipulate events, and in the process, Claudius has already dulled Laertes purpose by proving his attributes and himself to Hamlet instead of avenging for his father’s death. Additionally, Claudius was able to manipulate Laertes for his personal agenda to kill

    Read More

  • Deception and Corruption in Hamlet

    735 Words  | 2 Pages

    “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark (Shakespeare 22)” this famous quote from Hamlet describes the theme behind most of the actions that occur in this play. In this work we see corruption take over the state of Denmark, causing the royal family and government to face death. Despite the motive of any of the characters, good or bad, they all do contribute to the rottenness of Denmark. Emotions and desire fill their heads, causing their judgments to be unclear. This unclear judgment causes each character to lie and betray everyone in the kingdom creating a totally corrupt state especially King Claudius, Hamlet, and Polonius. They use deception to obtain exactly what they want. These plans to use lies and ignoble acts to obtain these goals were the cause of corruption and decay spreading through the state and destroying it. The character who is guiltiest of corruption, deception, and ignoble actions is King Claudius. Due to his dishonorable act of killing his brother, King Hamlet, a series of events took place causing chaos to break loose within the royal family in Denmark. Hamlet, son of King Hamlet, felt it was his duty to seek justified revenge for his Uncle Claudius’s crime, therefore Hamlet goes takes any measure necessary to prove that Claudius was guilty and to get justice for his late father. Lord Polonius, although not a part of the royal family, was corrupted in his own ways. He wanted to keep as close as possible to the royal family. He even went to the extremes of deceiving his children to get close to the royal family. He spies, and schemes throughout the whole play until death puts a halt on his plan.

    Read More

  • Free Hamlet Essays: Hamlet's Inability to Take Action

    593 Words  | 2 Pages

    With his thinking mind Hamlet does not become a typical vengeful character. Unlike most erratic behavior of individuals seeking revenge out of rage, Hamlet considers the consequences of his actions. What would the people think of their prince if he were to murder the king? What kind of effect would it have on his beloved mother? Hamlet considers questions of this type which in effect hasten his descision. After all, once his mother is dead and her feelings out of the picture , Hamlet is quick and aggressive in forcing poison into Claudius' mouth. Once Hamlet is certain that Claudius is the killer it is only after he himself is and and his empire falling that he can finally act.

    Read More

More about Hamlet Deceit Analysis

Open Document